Charles Harris Bio
Charles Harris is an American professional football defensive end who currently plays in the National Football League. He played college football for the University of Missouri Tigers and was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Harris has built his career spanning multiple NFL franchises, including the Atlanta Falcons, Detroit Lions, Carolina Panthers, and most recently the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won a Super Bowl championship. Known for his pass-rushing abilities, Harris has accumulated 19.5 career sacks and 195 total tackles across his eight seasons in the league.
Early Life and Background
Charles Harris was born on March 6, 1995, in Kansas City, Missouri. He attended Lincoln College Preparatory Academy in his hometown, where he developed into a standout defensive player. As a junior in high school, Harris recorded 40 tackles and six sacks while also excelling on special teams. His senior season saw him post even more impressive numbers with 60 tackles and 12 sacks, demonstrating his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
Beyond football, Harris participated in other sports at Lincoln Prep. He played basketball during his high school career and also took boxing classes, which helped develop his footwork and hand technique. These athletic pursuits contributed to the skill set that would later serve him well as a pass rusher in college and professional football. Harris ultimately decided to continue his football career close to home, committing to play at the University of Missouri.
Path to the NFL
After redshirting his first year at the University of Missouri in 2013, Harris appeared in all 14 games as a redshirt freshman in 2014. He recorded 19 tackles and two sacks during that season, showing flashes of the potential that would make him a first-round draft pick. Harris took over as a starter in 2015 and quickly established himself as one of the top defensive ends in the country, finishing with 56 tackles and seven sacks while earning Second-team All-SEC honors.
His continued development in 2016 earned him another Second-team All-SEC selection, further cementing his status as an elite college prospect. Harris was invited to the NFL Combine where he completed all the drills except for the short shuttle and three cone drill. He also performed at Missouri’s Pro Day, showcasing his positional skills and athletic attributes. Projected as a first or second-round pick by NFL analysts, Harris was ranked as the seventh best edge rusher by Sports Illustrated and the fifth best defensive end by NFLDraftScout.com.
Charles Harris Career
Missouri Tigers (2013–2016)
Charles Harris developed into one of the most respected defensive ends in college football during his time with the Missouri Tigers. His progression from a redshirt freshman contributor to a dominant starter demonstrated his dedication to improving his craft. The defensive scheme at Missouri allowed him to showcase his speed off the edge and his ability to collapse the pocket against opposing quarterbacks.
His back-to-back Second-team All-SEC selections highlighted his consistency and ability to perform at a high level against some of the best offensive linemen in college football. The experience gained in the SEC, known for its physical play and talented rosters, prepared Harris well for the transition to professional football.
Miami Dolphins (2017–2019)
The Miami Dolphins selected Charles Harris in the first round with the 22nd overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. The selection represented a significant investment in his potential as an every-down defensive end capable of generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Harris began his professional career with high expectations as a first-round selection.
His three seasons with the Dolphins saw him develop within their defensive system while learning the nuances of playing defensive end at the professional level. The transition from college to the NFL presented challenges common to young players, but Harris gained valuable experience during this period that would serve him in his future stops around the league.
Atlanta Falcons (2020)
On May 1, 2020, the Dolphins traded Harris to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for a 2021 seventh-round draft pick. The move gave Harris a fresh start with a new team and defensive scheme. The very next day, the Falcons declined the fifth-year option on Harris’ contract, making him a free agent following the 2020 season.
During his time with the Falcons, Harris saw action in multiple games and gained experience in a different defensive environment. In Week 8 of the 2020 season against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football, Harris was ejected from the game after making contact with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater’s head while Bridgewater was in a sliding position. The incident highlighted the physical nature of his position while also serving as a learning moment early in his career.
Detroit Lions (2021–2023)
On March 19, 2021, Harris signed with the Detroit Lions, beginning a productive three-season tenure with the franchise. He quickly became a key contributor to the Lions’ defensive line, showcasing the pass-rushing skills that made him a first-round pick. His consistency and ability to pressure quarterbacks made him a valuable piece of Detroit’s defense.
On March 18, 2022, Harris signed a two-year contract extension worth $13 million, reflecting the Lions’ confidence in his abilities and production. The contract represented a significant milestone in his career, validating his journey since being a first-round selection. During the 2022 season, Harris was placed on injured reserve on November 28, ending his season prematurely. He returned to contribute in 2023 before his eventual departure from Detroit.
Carolina Panthers (2024)
On September 11, 2024, Harris signed with the Carolina Panthers, joining another NFC team mid-season. He appeared in games with the Panthers during the 2024 season, continuing his career trajectory around the league. His versatility and experience made him a useful addition to various defensive line rotations.
However, Harris was waived by the Panthers on November 25, 2024, opening the door for his next opportunity in the league.
Philadelphia Eagles (2024–present)
On November 26, 2024, Harris was claimed off waivers by the Philadelphia Eagles, joining a team with championship aspirations. He made his Eagles debut on December 8, playing four defensive snaps in a 22-16 victory over his former team, the Carolina Panthers. The game marked the beginning of his Eagles career.
After being waived by Philadelphia on December 28, Harris was re-signed to the Eagles’ practice squad on December 31, 2024. His perseverance and ability to contribute in various situations earned him a place on the roster as the season concluded. The Eagles went on to win Super Bowl LIX, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22, with Harris earning his first Super Bowl championship ring as a member of the team.
Defensive End Skills and Playing Style
Charles Harris has established himself as a reliable edge rusher capable of collapsing pockets and pressuring quarterbacks. His success in college and continued production in the NFL stems from his combination of speed, technique, and motor. Harris brings experience from multiple defensive systems, having played for five different NFL franchises, which has broadened his understanding of various schemes and opponent tendencies.
Career Milestones
Harris achieved the pinnacle of professional football when the Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LIX in February 2025. His journey from a first-round pick to a Super Bowl champion spans eight seasons with five different teams, demonstrating his resilience and adaptability in a competitive league. The championship marks the crowning achievement of his professional career thus far.
Charles Harris Career Statistics
Throughout his NFL career, Charles Harris has accumulated solid statistics across multiple seasons with different teams. His career totals reflect his consistency as a complementary defensive piece throughout his professional journey.
NFL Career Totals (as of 2024)
Harris has recorded 195 career tackles, including 19.5 sacks, demonstrating his ability to get to the quarterback. He has also forced three fumbles and recovered one fumble while deflecting five passes throughout his career. These statistics highlight his contributions as both a pass rusher and run defender.
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 195 |
| Sacks | 19.5 |
| Forced Fumbles | 3 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 1 |
| Pass Deflections | 5 |
College Achievements
At the University of Missouri, Harris earned Second-team All-SEC honors in both 2015 and 2016, recognition of his status as one of the top defensive ends in the conference. He finished his college career with significant tackle and sack numbers while serving as a starter during his final two seasons.
Charles Harris Family
Family Background
Charles Harris grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, where he attended Lincoln College Preparatory Academy. His roots in the Kansas City area established a foundation for his football career before heading to play at the University of Missouri.
Personal Life
Harris maintains a presence on social media through his Instagram account. He continues to work hard at his craft as he progresses through his professional football career, having achieved the ultimate team success with his Super Bowl championship.
2025 Season Performance
Following his Super Bowl LIX championship with the Philadelphia Eagles, Charles Harris enters the 2025 season looking to build on his championship experience. The victory provided closure on a journey that began as a first-round pick in 2017 and included stops with multiple franchises before finding playoff success in Philadelphia.
Harris brings veteran experience and a championship pedigree to whatever role the Eagles have planned for him in the upcoming season. His ability to contribute on special teams and as a situational pass rusher makes him a valuable depth piece for a team with Super Bowl aspirations once again.